I remember once I got a call...

I remember once I got a call from a good friend who wanted to hang out. Just the two of us. Just drinks in an intimate setting to catch up on things.

Within an hour, she called me back, asking if I would mind if a mutual friend joined us. Sure, I said, no problem.

She called back 30 minutes later laughing. Somehow other friends got wind of our plans and wanted in. Why not, I replied laughing, the more the merrier.

After about six more phones calls, our tete-a-tete turned into a toast for 12. Alas, we had to change our destination to something that would accommodate everyone.

When something like this happens, you need to find a cool place -- fast -- that'll be comfortable for everybody. Whether you're looking to chill, chase or cha cha, these places should suit you and your group's needs.

And always remember when you've got a large group to call ahead or get there early.

The Beaumont. The music is OK -- if you like Top 40 -- but if you're looking to dance late at night, this is the place to be. The crowd is young and mad energetic, and the cover to get in is dirt cheap. Hours: 3 p.m.-4 a.m. Sunday through Friday; 3 p.m.-5 a.m. Saturday. 2020 N. Halsted Ave., 773-281-0177. Body Double Door. A few weekly events are worth checking out with your crew: Sundays, Liquid Soul gives you something to groove to; Mondays, deejay Jesse de la Pena breaks beats on what has become the best hip-hop night in the city; and on Tuesdays, downstairs turns into the Dirt Room, where hip-hop and rare groove deejays spin. Hours: 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Sunday through Friday; 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday. 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-489-3160.

Goose Island Brewery. The large, central bar is always jam-packed with the after-work crowd knocking down the more than 40 different types of ales and lagers. A pool room with 25 tables is just off the restaurant in back. Hours: 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday. 1800 N. Clybourn Ave., 312-915-0071.

Hunt Club. A sports bar in every right, but with a touch of sophistication, the Hunt Club is one of the premier places in the Rush Street area. For watching sports, including boxing matches, Big Ten games and other special events broadcast via satellite, there are 16 television monitors and one big screen. Hours: 11 a.m.-4 a.m. Sunday through Friday; 11 a.m.-5 a.m. Saturday. 1100 N. State St., 312-988-7887.

Joy-Blue. This lively neighborhood hangout has all the elements of a great place to bring the crew: plenty of room (if you get there early) on the couches, a pool table, a jukebox filled with blues and Motown classics and a great selection of microbrews. Added bonus: Come midweek for live entertainment such as jazz (Thursday), a poetry slam (Wednesday) and an open-mic night (Sunday). Hours: 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Sunday through Friday; 5 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday. 3998 N. Southport Ave., 773-477-3330.

Lava Lounge. The front room's large, circular booths accommodate groups of friends, but if you miss those, numerous nooks hold additional chairs and couches. Just last week, the club expanded downstairs, so there's more room to lounge or dance. On Sundays, deejay Mel Hammond spins hard-hitting hooks to get you ready for the work week. Hours: 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Sunday through Friday; 5 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday. 859 N. Damen Ave., 773-772-3355.

Liar's Club. Looking for fun with no strings attached? No matter what the night, the crowd doesn't take itself too seriously at the Liar's Club. For dancing, there's a compact dance floor in the back with a mirror ball plus pulsating light strips sunk into the floor. There's also an upstairs room open on weekends to relieve the overcrowding with plenty of couch space for lounging as well as a pool table. Hours: 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Sunday through Friday; 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday. 1655 N. Fullerton Ave., 773-665-1110.

Rosa's. Blues without the pretension, that's what Rosa's is -- and for a fraction of the price you'll pay for tourist-crazed blues bars downtown and up north. The club bills itself as the "friendliest blues lounge" and your friends will love it. Hours: 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday through Friday; 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday; music begins at 9:30 p.m. weeknights, 10 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday except for special events. 3420 W. Armitage Ave., 773-342-0452.

Wild Hare. Jamaican jams rule the spot at this upbeat, smoky club that attracts reggae and world music bands from all over the world. The spacious dance floor in the front of the stage will make all your swaying, sweating friends happy. Hours: 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Sunday through Friday; 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday. 3530 N. Clark St., 773-327-4273.